Things to bring
- Your current contact lenses or glasses, if you have them.
- Your vision and medical insurance cards (if applicable).
- Questions. Your eye doctor is there to help, so don't hold back. Here are some good starting points:
Get ready for your eye exam
Get Contacts
How to Prepare for Your Eye Doctor Appointment
Lay the groundwork before you go
When scheduling your appointment, be sure to talk about the following, so you and your eye doctor can make the most of the time.
Share your vision history
Describe any new issues you’re experiencing and let them know if you currently wear glasses or contact lenses.
Ask for a contact lens fitting
A fitting is a different kind of appointment, so let the office know that you are interested in contact lenses so they can schedule a fitting.
Some questions to ask your doctor
- How is the health of my eyes?
- Have you detected any eye disease or risk of eye disease that I should treat or monitor?
- How is my vision?
- Is it possible for me to see more clearly?
- Will my vision stabilize?
- What are my vision correction options?
- What's going to provide the best vision and the most flexibility given my activities and needs?
- What are the advantages of trying both contact lenses and glasses? What situations are best for each?
- What do I need to do to wear contact lenses safely?
- Are there any long-term issues with wearing contacts?
Four steps to a typical contact lens fitting
- Eye health exam
First and foremost, your eye doctor will review your medical and ocular history, assess eye health, check how well your eyes focus, and more. - Contact lens eligibility
Next, your doctor may perform a few more tests to make sure contacts are right for you. If so, your doctor may ask about your lifestyle to help pick a lens type. - Fitting with lenses and learning to use them
With the test results and your input, the doctor will recommend lenses to meet your individual needs. Then you'll be taught how to put on, take off and properly care for your lenses. - Follow-up and prescription
Especially if you are new to contact lenses, after an initial trial period, the doctor may have you return to make sure you're adjusting well to your new lenses and make changes if necessary. If all is well, you can typically either buy contact lenses directly from them or from another retailer based on their written prescription.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Why do I need a prescription for contact lenses?
You need a prescription because contact lenses are regulated medical devices. To follow legal and clinical safety standards, your eye doctor needs to evaluate your eyes to determine your appropriate fit and vision correction needs. This is essential to ensure the safe and proper use of the lenses.
Are contact lenses comfortable to wear?
Most people find contact lenses to be comfortable, allowing them to go throughout their day without feeling discomfort. Proper fitting by an eye care professional and strictly following the lens care and hygiene routines they provide are essential to helping ensure a comfortable experience.
How long does an eye exam take?
How long an eye exam takes depends on each patient. It typically lasts between half an hour and an hour, but may be longer if special testing or procedures are necessary. For example, the initial appointment with a new eye doctor may take longer due to paperwork, discussions about potential eye issues, and getting to know more about the patient's history.
How long does eye dilation last?
Dilation of the eye's pupils can last from 4 to 24 hours. Several factors can impact dilation time, including eye color, age and the type of drug used to dilate the eyes.
Do all optometrists give you a trial pair of contacts?
Most eye doctors provide a free trial pair of contacts as part of a contact lens exam. This allows the doctor to make sure the contact lenses help you see clearly, and also gives you a chance to make sure they're comfortable for you.
How much is an eye exam without insurance?
Generally speaking, eye exams will cost somewhere between $50 and $200 without including the cost of contact lenses or eyeglasses. Eye exam costs can vary based on several factors, such as the location you live in and whether your need for an eye exam also includes a contact lens exam.
Get started with ACUVUE® Contact Lenses
Try ACUVUE® for FREE*
Provide some basic information and get a certificate for a FREE* trial pair.
Find an eye doctor
Use our locator tool to find a doctor who can fit you with ACUVUE® contact lenses.
Stay in touch
With your consent, we will use your email to send you information about our products and services tailored to your interests. You may withdraw your consent at any time. Please read our Privacy Policy.
Required fields are marked with an asterisk *
This site is protected by Cloudflare Turnstile and its Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Consult your eye care professional for more information. J&J does not provide medical advice; this information is for educational purposes only.
Always wash hands thoroughly before handling contact lenses.
*Free trial contact lenses available only from participating eye care professionals. Exam and fitting fees not included.
Important Information for Contact Lens Wearers: ACUVUE® Contact Lenses are available by prescription only for vision correction. An eye care professional will determine whether contact lenses are right for you. Although rare, serious eye problems can develop while wearing contact lenses. To help avoid these problems, follow the wear and replacement schedule and the lens care instructions provided by your eye doctor. Do not wear contact lenses if you have an eye infection, or experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, redness or other eye problems. If one of these conditions occurs, remove the lens and contact your eye doctor immediately. For more information on proper wear, care and safety, talk to your eye care professional, call 1-800-843-2020, or download the Patient Instruction Guides.
Third party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
PP2023AMB5149 v2
